Nestled on 277 acres in beautiful Dallas, Texas is
a place where friends and family gather to enjoy such things as arts and
crafts, amusement rides and a livestock of approximately 8,000 entries.
The State Fair of Texas has a lot more to offer than it just being another
event.

Fair Park, the place it is held in, is recognized as a National
Historic Landmark and is open during the State Fair of Texas, from 10 a.m.
to 10 p.m.. In 1886, the State Fair held its first celebration in
Dallas were it played host to more than 4 million visitors.

Along with its boastful atmosphere and scenic views,
the Fair has also generously given back to its people by awarding more
than $1.8 million in grants for eligible college students pursuing their
degrees. The Texas Star is the tallest Ferris wheel in North America
standing at an amazing 212 ft.

This wonderful attraction is a sight to see for many
tourists. While others may enjoy the approximately 200 food venues
and the legend of the corn dog, which was invented in 1942 by two men
named Carl and Neil Fletcher.

To really appreciate all that the State
Fair has to offer, one must trace its roots back to January 30, 1886 where
it was founded by a group of businessmen, among them was W.H. Gaston.

Gaston proposed the fairgrounds be placed on 80
acres of land within Fair Park. While this seemed like a good idea
to most, others were opposed, including C.A. Keating, a man who spoke for
the agricultural side of the population.

In the end, Keating obtained his own piece of land
and thus, began the start of the Texas State Fair and Exposition.
Keating also planned to open his fair a day before the Dallas State Fair.

While both fairs were held almost
simultaneously with a vast amount of exhibits, neither one could hold its
own, and in 1887 merged. The Texas State Fair and Dallas Exposition
showcased many events for thousands such as, cattle sales, horse races and
displays of farm machinery.

But, even with so much success, a streak of bad luck
still managed to overcome the owners and their fair. In 1903, the
Texas Legislature banned all gambling on horse races which was, no doubt,
the main income for money and attraction at the Fair thus, putting a tight
grip on finances. In order to protect any assets that belonged to
the Fair, the property was sold to the City of Dallas in the year
1904. In doing so, the Fair was to be held in the Fall of every
year.

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